This Upside-Down Pear Cake is a cosy, spiced dessert that brings out the best in firm pears like Beurre Bosc. Caramelised with brown sugar and butter, the pears form a golden crown over a moist almond meal cake warmly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It's naturally gluten-free adaptable and perfect for autumn afternoons, family dinners, or anytime you want something comforting and fragrant. Best served warm — with a dollop of cream, yoghurt, or just on its own. Recipe by Recipe by Sarah, Box Divvy Hubster in Hornsby.
2. Line the base of a round 23cm springform tin with baking paper, and grease the sides of the tin.
3. Melt 80g butter in the microwave and then spread across the base of the tin
4. Sprinkle 3/4 cup brown sugar evenly across the melted butter.
5. Cut pears into quarters and cut out the core. Cut each quarter in half (or thirds) lengthwise so you have 2cm thick wedges. No need to peel the pears.
6.Arrange the pear wedges in a circle in the tin.
7. In a bowl, cream 120g butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar until pale.
8. Add eggs one at a time (4 eggs total), beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix.
9. Add plain flour, baking powder, salt and spices and mix till just combined.
10. Add milk and mix till just smooth.
11. Stir in almond meal.
12. Pour batter over the pears in the tin
13. Bake at 180 degrees for 50 minutes, or until cake is firm and lightly browned.
14. All the cake to cool for half an hour or so, then run a knife around the sides to make sure it isn’t sticking.
15. Remove the sides of the tin. Place a plate on top of the cake and turn it upside down. Take off the base and gently peel off the baking paper.
16. Slice and enjoy!